Spirulina – properties, dosage, contraindications

Proven content

Spirulina is a trade name for green-blue algae that grows in the warm waters of the lakes of Africa and Central and South America. It is also specially bred there, as there is a high demand for this plant, which is used in the production of cosmetics, and is also sold as a dietary supplement in the form of a powder or capsules. Where does its success come from?

1. Spirulina is added, among others for fruit and vegetable cocktails. We can also find it in the composition of some energy bars
2. These algae are eagerly used by athletes and people leading an exhausting lifestyle
3. The ingredients contained in spirulina help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease
4. More information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Spirulina as a dietary supplement

Spirulina is one of the most valuable food products due to the ingredients present in it (see below). It has a pungent flavor. It is not consumed as an independent food, but it is added to, for example, fruit or vegetable cocktails, to energy bars.

Dietary supplements with its content are in common use, especially popular with athletes, people leading an active and exhausting lifestyle, people who care about their health and people who are slimming or want to keep a slim figure. Taking it is completely safe and has no negative side effects. It provides the body with many valuable ingredients. What kind?

Algae – the source of spirulina

Spirulina has been obtained for many years as a result of the cultivation of algae, which can grow virtually all over the world in an aquatic environment with sufficiently high humidity. More specifically, algae are plants that belong to the evolutionary line of thallus organisms, i.e. non-tissue organisms. These plants do not have developed tissues, and thanks to the huge amounts of chlorophyll, they are capable of autotrophy (self-nutrition) caused by photosynthesis.

Among algae, we can mention, for example, cyanobacteria better known as cyanobacteria (e.g. Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima) from which spirulina can also be obtained. It is they who have a characteristic green-blue color, and thanks to their developed adaptability, they are able to easily adapt to various conditions.

If you want to support the body in the fight against viruses and bacteria, try Bio Spirulina or Bio Spirulina + Bio Chlorella available on Medonet Market. For example, Nº1 Chlorophyll DETOX has a detoxifying and cleansing effect on the body, which you can now buy at an attractive price.

Spirulina – properties

It is worth emphasizing that it is the product with the highest protein content among other food products (four times more than meat of the same weight). For this reason, the dietary supplement should be used by vegetarians and vegans, as well as people who want to eliminate adipose tissue (protein metabolism promotes weight loss). Besides, spirulina contains:

1. eight exogenous amino acids, i.e. not produced by the body,
2. vitamin B1 (in amounts greater than fruit and vegetables),
3. vitamin B2 (in amounts up to 20 times more than in other foods),
4. vitamin B12 (2,5 times more than in the animal liver),
5. gamma-linolenic acid – GLA.

The properties of GLA play a special role in maintaining health: they lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease, and lower blood pressure.

Spirulina can be found, for example, in the mix for the Fit torpedo cocktail by Herbapol in Krakow. The preparation accelerates the metabolism of fats and has a positive effect on the body. You can also try Honey with Spirulina, which improves digestion and strengthens immunity.

Spirulina – composition

Spirulna is rich in many nutrients. These include: protein (60 to 70 percent); amino acids (spirulina has all the essentials for the human body); linolenic acid with antibacterial and analgesic properties; Folic acid; conjugated linoleic acid which i.a. has antiatherosclerotic and anti-cancer properties, reduces adipose tissue, increases insulin sensitivity and improves the immune system; phycocyanin, which is responsible for the characteristic color of spirulina, has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties; bioflavonoids; selenium, zinc, manganese, copper, iron, as well as B vitamins and vitamins A, C, D, E and K.

How does spirulina work?

Spirulina is recommended for many health problems. The action is pro-health:

1. lowers blood pressure – thanks to the phycocyanin it contains. Japanese scientists agreed that the use of algae can reverse endothelial dysfunction in the metabolic syndrome (MS), which is characteristic because it is characterized by numerous disorders that increase the risk of developing and developing cardiovascular diseases as well as diabetes. This makes spirulina a very promising ingredient that can bring great benefits, although it must be remembered that there will be further research and testing. Spirulina can help us fight the above diseases and reduce their incidence;
2. prevents atherosclerosis and stroke – subsequent studies have shown that supplementation with spirulina can reduce the area of ​​the membrane produced by cholesterol inside the aorta by 33% to 48%. It causes the increase in vascular capacity, which at the same time indicates that spirulina can prevent the formation of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of a stroke. It should also be noted that the studies used a high-cholesterol diet (HCD – high-cholesterol diet). This shows that regular intake of spirulina can reverse the damage done by poor diet. In combination with an appropriate, i.e. well-balanced diet, you can keep your heart in good shape;
3. removes heavy metals from the body – according to data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), there are many countries in the world that struggle with the problems of high arsenic levels (Arsenic poisoning occurs even in highly developed countries). Scientists agree that the largest number of cases concerns the Far East, i.e. Bangladesh and India, and Chile. I find arsenic most often in the drinking water that people consume every day. Clinical studies have confirmed that in Bangladesh alone, up to 3% of the entire nation has symptoms of arsenic poisoning alone. What is very important, there is no specific treatment for poisoning, therefore an alternative method, which is algae, has been implemented. 24 patients suffering from chronic arsenic poisoning were given Spirulina (250 mg) and zinc (2 mg) twice a day, and in another 17 patients only placebo. The results showed that Spirulina along with zinc had a significant effect. As much as 47% decrease in arsenic in the body was noted in the respondents who took algae;
4. accelerates fat loss and lowers cholesterol – thanks to the high content of phenylalanine, which reduces appetite. The fiber found in seaweed creates a mucous shell on the intestinal walls, thus limiting the absorption of fats and excess sugars, helps to normalize blood glucose levels and lowers cholesterol levels. By stimulating the metabolism, spirulina is able to significantly facilitate slimming;
5. prevents the formation of cancer – according to data provided by the University of Maryland Medical Center, animal studies have shown that spirulina increases the production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins and other cells that are responsible for immunity, and helps prevent infections and diseases such as cancer. According to a study conducted in April 2014 by Czech scientists, it was proved that spirulina can lower blood cholesterol and contains tetrapyrrole compounds (which are strongly associated with bilirubin particles), powerful antioxidants, as well as antiproliferative agents.

The properties of spirulina have been confirmed by animal studies. Additionally, numerous studies have shown that spirulina is active against influenza, herpes, as well as HIV, it can also become a very good part of the diet for people who smoke or take medications on a regular basis. Because spirulina has been shown to have detoxifying properties on the human body.

The detoxifying function as well as the protective possibilities offered by spirulina can protect us from cirrhosis and its damage, thanks to which it will also help people who abuse alcohol. In addition, it reduces inflammation in allergic rhinitis and helps in the treatment of anemia by increasing the production of red blood cells. We recommend bio spirulina, in a powdered form, which is perfect as an addition to meals and drinks and will help provide the body with valuable nutrients.

How to dose spirulina?

The dietary supplement should be dosed as recommended by the manufacturer. The capsules usually need to be taken three times a day. When it comes to spirulina powder, Dr. Oz, well-known from the American television, gave good advice. Namely, one teaspoon of the powder must be dissolved in 350 ml of lime juice and frozen in the form of cubes. Then one cube can be dissolved in a glass of water or juice.

Such a drink will give the body energy and speed up metabolism. You can also dissolve a teaspoon of green powder in a glass of warm water or add to your smoothie.

In addition, spirulina is an ingredient in many dietary supplements. These include DuoLife ProRelalaxin, a dietary supplement intended for people who do not tolerate stressful situations and have problems falling asleep, as well as Hyaluronic acid 50mg Viridian – a preparation supporting the work of muscles, joints and bones.

Spirulina – contraindications

Spirulina was considered a very healthy and safe product, but it should not be forgotten that, like any other product, it can also be harmful. It is worth consulting a specialist before starting supplementation with this agent, the right dose is extremely important here. Interestingly, the conducted studies have shown that adverse reactions and cases of allergic reactions occurred when using a dose greater than 1 gram per day.

People who shouldn’t take spirulina include: nursing mothers and pregnant women; children (unless, after consulting a doctor, he / she does not see any contraindications); people struggling with autoimmune diseases; people taking drugs that increase blood clotting and immunosuppressants; people with phenylketonuria.

Before using spirulina supplementation, we should look for a product from a reliable and appropriate sourceto avoid the harm caused by the consumption of contaminated ingredients, which in turn can cause more problems than good for our body.

In the case of supplementation with contaminated spirulina, symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, shock may occur, and in extreme cases there may even be a risk of death. This is in part due to the presence of toxic species of cyanobacteria that can be hepatotoxic, cytotoxic and neurotoxic. Therefore, you should always make sure you can reach for spirulina first, then choose a top-shelf product, and then use it as recommended. Consult a dietitian about this. You can now do it conveniently via the halodoctor.pl portal.

This may interest you:

1. Do you know moringa? Green powder works as an antibiotic, lowers cholesterol, cleans the intestines
2. Our grandmothers’ way of catching a cold. It warms up and strengthens the body
3. Underestimated Polish “black treasure”. Works well for eyesight

For a long time you have not been able to find the cause of your ailments or are you still looking for it? Do you want to tell us your story or draw attention to a common health problem? Write to the address [email protected] #Together we can do more

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.